Devon is at the MTD recording studio with his singing group Seph’ they have been trying to lay down some tracks all morning.

“Okay guys that’s great. Now let’s do it again.”

The singing group was tired from all the hard work they had been been there since very early in the morning. They start to grumble and moan at Devon’s request to do it again for what seemed like the hundredth time.

“Come on people it’s really great but you can do it much better. One more time and after that we’ll do a take.”

A flashing red light comes on in the studio to alert them that there is a phone call. Devon quickly picks up the phone and when he hangs it up he says. “I know that you all are going to be very sad but I am going to have to give you a break. I need to run upstairs for a meeting. You can still rehearse on your own after the  break. Please try not to miss me too much.” He said with smile.

Seph’ cheered and applauded playfully because he was leaving them. Devon takes a bow and walks out the door. He gets on the elevator and heads up to the 16th floor. When he gets off the elevator he opens the door to the boardroom where he is greeted by  his Scott his agent, and two executives producers from the MTD recording label and another gentleman who Devon avoided making eye contact with.

“Hello Devon. I am sure that you know everyone here except for Robert. This is Robert Lurie his company will now be representing your group as their publicist.” Scott said to Devon.

Devon who was taken aback by what he was being told. Reached out and shook Roberts hand. “Gentleman I’m a bit surprised here. My group Seph’ already has a publicist.”

Edward one of the executive producers responded to Devon with a smile and said. Robert Lurie Agency is and has always been a part of the MTD recording label. We use them for all our newly signed talent.”

Devon shook his head in disapproval. “Edward I can appreciate that but Seph’ is hardly new talent here in NY. The Turaj Agency has been our publicist since we started. They’ve done right by us. I am not turning them loose and besides I already have a signed contract with them”

Lee the other executive producer sounding annoyed but trying to be diplomatic says to him. “I am sure that the Turaj Agency was very good for what you needed them for at the time, but now you’re signed with a major recording label. Seph’ needs major representation  and that’s what the Robert Lurie Agency can provide. And as far as the signed contract that you have with the Turaj Agency, we can buy them out of their contract .”

Devon gave them a scowling laugh of disapproval. “Gentleman I’m sorry but I’m not going to ask them to do that. They were with us from the groups inception. They have worked really hard for us in getting the group’s name out there. And they may not be as large as the Robert Lurie Agency but they have been there for us and they have a good reputation.”

Lee still trying to sound diplomatic but becoming noticeably annoyed tries to explain it to him again. “Devon this is a part of the process for all new MTD recording artist. We really need you onboard with this.”

“Sorry gentleman I can’t get onboard with this. The Turaj Agency is who I want to stay with.” He says very adamantly.

Edward who had allowed Lee to sort of the carry the ball with this decided he better jump in again because he couldn’t understand why Devon wasn’t allowing for any flexibility. “Devon what is the problem here? We are offering Seph’ one of the biggest names in the industry. Yes the group is known here in NY and a few other cities but we want to take them global, push them out into the stratosphere. And let’s be honest here you can’t do that the Turaj Agency. Surely you can’t have a problem with that!”

Shaking his head Devon say’s, But I do!”

Edward agitated and showing his disapproval of Devon’s behavior. “Devon I don’t understand this. This is a win-win situation here. What is the problem?”

Robert Lurie who had been sitting there very quite during the entire meeting responds to Edwards question. I’m afraid gentleman that I am the problem. Right Devon?” He says this with a playful smile on his face.

“He speaks!” Devon says very sarcastically.

The two music executives and Devon’s agent Scott all look over at Robert. “What’s going on here Lee ask him.”

“Shall I tell them Devon or do you want to?” He says with an honest to goodness twinkle in his eye.

Devon shrugging his shoulders says. I’m not sure what you think you have to tell them Robert. But please be my guest share with us.”

“My company represents Charles Corrieri, Broadway’s and the worlds most renowed and very well known conductor and musician.”

“And let’s not forget one of your dearest friends. I am wondering if perhaps my father has his hands in this deal?” Devon said almost becoming heated from the thought of it.

” I can assure you Devon – your father has nothing to do with this. My firm has always worked with MTD recording just as these gentleman have been saying. This just happens to be one of life’s little coincidences.” Robert said to him.

Edward wanting to get back to business says to them. “I don’t know exactly what’s going on her but any issues that you have with your father and to be honest with you, I don’t care. I need for you to put them aside for the good of your partnership with MTD recordings. That is if you still want your group to remain on our label.”

“That sounds like a threat Edward. I hope, truly hope that it isn’t! I have a signed contract.” Devon said to him very calmly, so calmly that he sounded threatening.

Lee always the diplomat at least still trying to maintain that role interrupted them. “Gentleman let’s bring this down a thousand. This is going in the wrong direction. Devon no one is making threats here. I just feel like we should be able to come to some kind of compromise.”

Robert stood up and said. “I think perhaps if we just all take a break, give Devon time to think this through.”

Devon stopped him.  “I don’t need to think about this.”

Smiling and sounding impressed Robert says, “I swear you are just like your father.”

Not very happy to hear him say this Devon says. “You think so? I’ll tell you what I’ll compromise here but you’ll have to do something for me.”

Curious Robert says, “What is it?”

“Lose my father as a client. Now gentleman this meeting is over for me. I have to get back to my group. I’ve left them in the studio far too long. Robert you’ll call me tomorrow when it’s done and then we’ll be working together. Ciao.”

He gets up and walks out the door. While everyone else remains seated.

Edward  very angry at this point says to Scott “You’re his agent handle Devon.”

“No one handles Devon. He’s a very smart business man. He knows his business and his business is music. He knows what’s good in this industry and what sells. I will speak to him though.”

As they were all leaving the boardroom Robert still smiling and almost seeming to enjoy what had gone down there with Devon and the exec’s said. He’s just like his father – Brilliant!”

_______________________________________________________________________

Simone was sitting in the Savpasich coffee-house impatiently waiting for Josh. She almost got up and left twice. She wondered to herself why she was waiting for this mess of a man but she had to admit she was curious to find out what he had to say. It would also give her a chance to tell him off too. She ordered a cup of cinnamon spice tea with a touch of licorice. The waitress brought it over to her table.

“Thank you very much.”

“You’re very welcome. Will that be all?” The waitress asked her.

Simone gave her a – I’m thinking about having something I shouldn’t have look. “Well I would like to order a slice of marble pound cake that is if you could take the pounds out of it.”

She and the waitress both laugh.

“It looks like you could afford a pound or two. You look like you’re in great shape. Go ahead and order it. It’s very good.” The waitress said to her.

“Thanks! You’re very sweet and upon your recommendation, please bring it over here before I change my mind.”

The waitress smiled at her. “Very good. I’ll bring it right over.”

The waitress turns to walk away. Simone thinking that she’s talking to herself and sounding exasperated say’s “Oh God – what am I doing here?”

The waitress still within ear shot says to her. “Excuse me?”

Simone a little embarrassed says to her. “I’m sorry. I guess I am thinking out-loud.”

The waitress backs up walking back to Simone’s table says. “Not a problem I do it all the time. What is it that they say? As long as you don’t talk back to yourself, then you’re not crazy. At least that’s what my mama told me.”

“Oh is that what they say? Then I better watch myself because I was about to respond.” Simone said with a worried look on her face.

The waitress winked at her and said. “Don’t worry I want leak it to the National Enquirer.”

Simone gave her a wink back. “I was worried!”

They both laughed. The waitress put her hand on Simone’s shoulder to give her a sense of comfort that she felt that she needed and Simone patted her hand while it sat there for a couple of seconds allowing for it and thanking her without words. The waitress walked away to get Simone some marble cake. Simone picked up her cup of tea and began to blow very lightly on it to cool it off. When she was able to take a sip she looked up and there was Josh standing right in front of her.

“May I have a seat?” He ask.

Simone put out her hand directing him to have a seat. “Certainly!”

“Thanks for waiting for me. I really appreciate it. I mean I really don’t deserve it – considering the way that I acted that last night I saw you in Israel.”

Simone with attitude says. “Well if that’s your way of apologizing then go on!”

“Can you forgive my behavior? I shouldn’t have treated you that way. I should have respected your wishes or at least just stayed… (He hesitated) I should have just stayed!”

Simone picked up her cup of tea again and takes a sip. She puts the cup back down and looks him square in the eye. This was the moment she had been waiting for. The reason she sat there waiting for him. She was going to light his ass up.

“What do you want me to say?  When you left me that night, I went through an ocean of emotions. I have almost drowned many times in my life but I’ve always managed to pull myself ashore and that’s what I did that night. I bought my ass back to New York never expecting to see you again. And yet here you are asking me to forgive you for something that in my mind has drifted off to sea.”

She shakes her head and takes another sip of tea. The waitress walks over to the able and brings her the marble pound cake. Then she takes Josh’s order. He orders a cappuccino.

“That’s it? Ahh come on you have to order a dessert. You can’t let the lady “dessert” alone.” The waitress said with great big ole smile on her face.

Josh smile back at her and said. “Certainly not! I’ll have what she’s having.”

“Good choice. I’ll be right back.”

That waitress sure has a way with words. I did desert you that night. I’ll understand if you don’t forgive me. I just wanted you to know that  I know now that it was very stupid  and ignorant of me.”

Simone gave him a very puzzled look. “You know now? What happened did you all of a sudden get some revelation? Or does this have something to do with your test results? Did you get them?”

Letting out a big sigh Josh said. “Yes I did!”

“Well?”

Still with another sigh Josh hesitates at first. “Before I tell you I just was to ask you something. And your answer doesn’t have to be dependant upon my HIV results. (Sounding very humble) – I would really like to start fresh with “us” here in NY. I want rush you or make you feel pressured in any way. I’m just asking you to think about it for now. And whatever your answer is, I will accept it. But you have to admit the two of us meeting the way we did in Israel and now today at the same doctors office well, I just want to start fresh. If you can just set aside my human stupidity.”

Simone stops him before he could finish because he just seemed to have more to say. She couldn’t take it any more. She through her hands up in the air at him – waving for him to stop talking. With a little calm sarcasm she says to him.

“Please stop it. I can’t hear anymore of this. You’re breaking my heart. Where was this person that night when we were about to make love and you ran out on me?”

Blushing and sounding he says to her. “Hiding in my manhood and stupidity!”

“I want promise you anything. I can’t even promise you that my answer won’t be dependant upon your HIV results. I can promise you this. I will listen and be here now at this moment, after that I don’t know.”

“Fair enough and honest. I got my results back and well they came back negative.”

Simone smiled at him. “Congratulations. I am happy for you. Please make sure that you stay that way.”

Simone gets the waitresses attention. She takes money from her purse. Josh is sitting there, a bit surprised at her reaction or what he thought was lack there of.

“This should cover it. I ‘m also paying for his.”

“Okay – thank you and have a good evening.” The waitress says to her as she begins to clear the table.

Simone reaches into her purse again and this time she pulls out a business card and hands it to the waitress.

“Here take this. I like your energy. I need a receptionist. The job pays very well. If you want a job at my hair salon, it’s yours. Call me!”

The waitress was very surprised and thankful. “Thank you very much. I will – I absolutely will!”

Simone stands up. She puts heer hand on Josh’s shoulder. “Josh once again congrats! I assume that you still have my number?”

Josh sounding puzzled responds with a yes.

“Okay. Well I have to go. You take care of yourself.”

She removes her hand from his shoulder and walks out the door. When she gets outside the coffee-house she hails a taxi, gets inside, tells him her address. “348 W. 49th please.” She pulls a handkerchief from her purse and wipes a tear from her eyes.